Joint breaker



july 19, l938.,

H. THEROLF 2,124,129

JOINT BREAKER Filed June 5D, 1936 52 i .i y 5] 45 l l l l 24 54 74745 65 g v Z,

FFEQE STT s PAT E T JOINT BREAKER Harold L. Therolf, Los Nietos, Calif., assigner to Eason & Therolf Tool Company, Los Nietos, Calif., a cla-partnership composed of Ernest L. Eason and Harold L. rlherolf Application June 30, 1936, Serial No. 88,123 7 Claims. (Cl. 254--173) This invention relates to well drilling equiption of a typical draw works illustrating the joint ment and relates more particularly to an autobreaker of the present invention in its operative matic cat head or joint breaker for use on or apposition. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical detailed l plication to the draw works of a well drilling rig. sectional View of the joint breaker being a view A general object of this invention is to provide a taken as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig, l. Fig. 3 practical, effective automatic joint breaker'that is is a longitudinal detailed sectional View of the safe and convenient to operate. joint breaker taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Another object of this invention is to provide Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse detailed an automatic joint breaker intended for applicasectional view taken substantially as indicated l tion to the line shaft of a draw works that may by line 4 4 on Fig. 3 and illustrating the clutch 10 be governed or engaged from a remote point to means and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal deexert a pull on tongs or the like for breaking a tailed sectional View taken substantially as injoint in a drilling string, or the like, at the rodicated byline 5-5 on Fig. 4.

tary table. The improved joint breaker of the present in- Another object of this invention is to provide vention is adapted to be employed in connection l an automatic joint breaker that exerts or applies with draw works of various makes and types. In a pull of limited and known extent and then rethe drawing I have illustrated a portion of a leases, whereby it is particularly safe to use or '5571310211 GMW WOTkS aS Used Il Well drilling Opeloperate. ations and have shown a typical preferred-em- Another object of this invention is to provide bodiment of the invention operatively applied to 20 an automatic joint breaker of the character menthe draw works. It is to be understood that the toned in which the moving or working parts are invention is not to be construed as limited or reentirely enclosed and cannot foul the lines or instricted to the specific form or application about jure the workmen. to be described, but is to be taken as including any Another object of this invention islto provide features or modifications that may fall Within the 25 an automatic joint breaker of the character menscope of the claims. tioned that embodies a simple, dependable clutch The lJOftOYl Of the typal dl'W WOrkS illusand a clutch control operable from a convenient trated includes a frame having a header l0 and remote point to engage the tong-line drum with a post l l. A substantially horizontal line shaft I2 30 the line shaft of the draw works. is rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) 30 Another object of this invention is to provide and has an end portion @Xtendng laterally from A" an automatic joint breaker of the character men- 011 Side 0f the POSE H. A drum Shaft i3 is tioned embodying a novel effective means for spaced below the line shaft l2 and is rotatably automatically disengaging or de-clutching the carried by a bearing M'On the post Il and a simtong-line drum when the drum has been turned ilar bearing on the other post (not shown) of the 35 substantially one revolution thereby rendering frame. The drum shaft I3 carries the usual the device safe to operate under practically any Winding drum I5. The DOIOD 0f the drum t5 conditions. illustrated has a brake flange I6 engageable by Another and important Object 0f the inventhe usual lined brake band ll for controlling the 4o tion is to provide an automatic joint breaker of rotation of the Winding drum- A chain and '4o the character mentioned that may be easily and SDTOCket drive I3 S DTOVded between the line quickly assemmed in the une Shaft even though shaft l2 and the drum shaft i3. It is to be underthe Shaft wobbles @pis out of alignment stood that the line shaft I2 is driven or operated A further object of this invention is to provide by the drlllg .engine 0f the Iig. an automatic joint breaker of the character men- The alltOmatlC 3011115 breaker 0f the Present II- 45 tioned that is simple and inexpensive and that is volition inoludes, generally, a CaSe or housing 20 adapted to be applied to the line shafts of the surrounding tho ond portion of the lino Shaft l2, various typical makes and forms of draw works, a sleeve or collar 2| secured to the shaft l2 with- The various objects and features of my invenin the hOUSng 29. a Cat head 01' SDOOI 22 0n the tion will be fully understood from the following collar 2l, a shftable tong-line drum 23 in the 50 detailed description of a typical preferred form housing 2U, Clllth means 24 adapted to form a and application of my invention, throughout drV betWeSn the C0115? 2l and the drum 23, which description reference is made to the acmeans 25 for shifting the drum 23 to engage the companying drawing, in which: clutch means 24 and means 2B for automatically Fig. lis a fragmentary elevation view of a porreturning the drum 23 to disengage the clutch 55 means 24 at the termination of substantially one revolution of the drum 23 The case or housing 23 is provided to enclose the moving or working parts of the device to prevent the fouling of lines, etc. with the device, and to protect the workmen against injury. The housing 20 is relatively stationary vand is rotatably mounted on the projecting portion of the shaft I2 in the manner to be hereinafter described. In the typical form of the invention illustrated the housing 20 is a substantially cylindrical hollow structure comprising two complementary sections 23a connected by axially extending flange and bolt connections 21. The housing 2t! is provided with normal inner and outer ends 28 and 29. A radial inwardly facing annular flange Sl is provided on the interior of the inner end 28. An outwardly projecting wall Section extends from the outer end 23 of the housing 2B and has an angular rlip or flange 32 at its outer end. Means is provided for preventing rotation of the housing 23. A stop lug 33 projects from the upper section 25a and is adapted to abut or bear against a convenient or suitable abutment to hold the housing against turning in one direction. In the particular application of the invention illustrated in the ydrawing the post II forms the abutment for the lug 33; that is, the lug 33 abuts against the stationary abutment or post I I to prevent rotation of the housing 29 with the shaft l2. A bolt Sil passes through an opening Si in the lug 33 with substantial clearance. 'Ihe bolt 93 has a shoulder 92 engaging against the post II to prevent the head of the bolt from clamping the lug against the post. A reduced portion of the bolt 99 passes through an opening in the post l I, or a flange of the post II, and has a threaded nut 93 to hold the bolt in place. The lug 33 is only loosely engaged on the bolt 90 and does not serve to secure the housing 23 to the post but merely holds the housing against rotation in both directions. The loose association of the housing 2U with the abutment or post I I is important as it allows the joint breaker to be easily and quickly arranged on the shaft I2 even though the shaft is out of alignment. It is apparent that the lug 33 or another part of the housing 20 may engage any suitable stationary abutment to hold the housing against rotation with the shaft I2. The housing 23 just described surrounds the end portion of the line shaft I2 with substantial clearance to receive the collar 2i, the drum 23 and the associated parts.

The collar 2l is provided to shiftably support the line drum 23 and to present certain clutch parts of the means 24 to be hereinafter described. The collar 2I is a tubular member of substantial length surrounding the shaft I2 at one side of the post II and extending through the housing 2G. In practice the collar 2l may project outwardly beyond the end of the shaft I2 as illustrated in the drawing. A feather or key 34 cooperates With suitable key-ways 35 in the shaft I2 and the collar 2l to connect the collar with the shaft for rotation therewith. The major portion of the collar 2l is cylindrical and of uniform diameter. The inner end portion of the collar 2I is preferably of enlarged diameter and is provided with an annular groove 33. The housing 20 surrounds a portion of the rotatable shaft I2 and is held against rotation with the shaft by the engagement of its lug 33 with the abutment or post II so that it is desirable or necessary to provide bearing means for supporting the non-rotatable housing on the rotatable shaft. A bushing or bearing 31 is arranged in the groove 3G and receives the flange 30 of the housing 20. 'Ihe housing 2D is thus rotatably supported on the shaft I2 through the medium of the flange 30, bearing 31 and collar 2|. Suitable lubricant ports 38 are provided in the bearing 31. A lubricant reservoir 39 may be provided on the upper portion of the housing 20 and a port 40 may extend downwardly through the housing 2G from the reservoir 39 to the flange 33 to con- -duct lubricant to the bearing 31. An annular flange 4I is provided on the collar 2l at the outer side of the groove 33 to carry certain clutch parts of the means 24 as will be hereinafter described.

The cat head or spool 22 is provided to replace the cat head usually provided on the end of the line shaft I2 and has the same uses as the usual cat head. The spool 22 is secured to the projecting end portion of the collar 2| to rotate with the shaft I2. The spool 22 is cylindrical in its general configuration and has annular flanges 42 at its opposite ends to prevent the displacement of the line. The spool 22 is preferably made hollow to lighten its Weight and reduce its cost. In practice the spool 22 may be tubular and its outer end may be closed by a plate 43 secured in place by a spring ring 44. The cat head or spool 22 is threaded on the projecting end portion of the collar 2| and is locked against unthreading by a feather or key 45. The inner flange 42 of the spool 22 is received in the angular flange 32 of the housing 2li and the inner end of the spool acts to close the outer end of the housing.

The drum 23 is provided to pull or operate a line L which in turn may pull or operate tongs or other tools in the rig. The drum 23 is arranged in the housing 2li and is shiftable axially therein. In accordance with the invention the drum 23 is a tubular member surrounding the major cylindrical portion of the collar 2I. The drum 23 is preferably rotatably and shiftably supported on the collar 2I through a suitable bearing or bushing 46. The bushing 46 may be shiftable with the drum 23. An annular internal groove 41 is provided in the drum 23 to carry lubricant for the bushing 46. A port 48 extends outwardly through the drum 23 to conduct lubricant to the groove 41. An annular external channel or groove 49 is provided in the drum 23 to receive or wind in the line L. An opening 98 is provided in the wall of the housing 20 to facilitate the lubrication of the bushing 46 and is normally closed by a door 99.

An end of the line L is secured to the drum 23. In accordance with the invention any suitable means. may be provided for securing the line L to the drum 23. In the particular structure illustrated a tubular rope socket 5U is fixed in the groove 49 to receive the line L, The inner end part 5I of the line L is spread or enlarged to prevent the line from being pulled outwardly through the socket 50. The line L extends from the joint breaker and is adapted to be connected with a tool, for example, tongs, for breaking the joints of a string extending through the rotary. An opening 52 is provided in the lower wall portion of the housing 25 in alignment with the groove 49 to pass the line L. The opening 52 is horizontally elongated. A tangential tubular guide 53 may be provided on the body 20 at the opening 5G to guide the line L,

The clutch means 24 is operable to impart rotation from the collar 2I to the drum 23 for the purpose of winding the line L on the drum and thus effect pulling of the line L and operating of the tool connected therewith. The clutch means 24 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced clutch parts 54 on the inner end of the drum 23; The clutch parts 54 have flat radial faces 55 opposing the direction of rotation of the shaft I 2 and inclined surfaces 55 sloping away from the tops or extremities of the surfaces 55. The means 24 further includes clutch parts on the flange 4l of the collar 2l. The clutch parts on the ange il comprise flat radial faces 5l facing in the direction of rotation of the shaft l2 and inclined surfaces 58 sloping away from the tops of the faces 5l. The faces 5l and the surfaces 58 may constitute walls of spaced'notches in the outer side of the flange 4I. These notches are adapted to receive the clutch parts 54 with suitable clearance. Upon inward shifting of the drum 23 the inclined surfaces 56 and 58 are adapted to cooperate to provide for smooth meshing or engagement of the clutch parts. The faces 51 are adapted to cooperate with the faces 55 to transmit rotation from the collar 2| to the drum 23.

The means 25 is adapted to be operated from any suitable remote point to effect axial shifting of the drum 23 to engage the clutch means 24 described above. The means 25 includes a lever or bell crank pivoted on a pin 6B supported by spaced lugs 6l on the upper side of the housing 2i). The bell crank has an arm 62 projecting downwardly or inwardly through an opening 63a in the wall of the housing 2i! and an outwardly and axially projecting arm 63. An annular groove 64 is provided in the outer end portion of the drum 23 and a cup-like member 65 seats in the upper portion of the groove 64. The member 65 also bears on the cylindrical periphery of the drum 23. The inner end of the arm i572 is rounded to cooperate with or seat in the member 65.

The means 25 may further include a line 55 connected with the outer bell crank arm 63. The line EG extends from the arm 53 and may pass over suitable pulleys 6l on the header IS to a convenient lpoint for actuation. Pulling of the line 66 effects inward swinging of the arm @2 which in turn shifts the member G5 and the drum 23 inwardly to engage the clutch means 24. Spring means may be associated with the means 25 to yieldingly hold the drinn 23 in its declutched position. In the particular case illustrated in the drawing an extensible coiled spring 68 is connected with the arm 63 and a lug 5i to urge the arm 63 to the position where the drum 23 is idle.

The means 26 for automatically de-clutching the drum 23 from the collar 2i and the shaft l2 is an important feature of the invention as it renders the device entirely safe to operate. The means 2S is a simple cam means that automatically shifts the drum 23 axially outward at the termination of substantially one complete rotation of the drum. The automatic de-clutching means 26 includes a lug 'lll projecting inwardly from the upper wall portion of the housing 20 and a cam 'H on the inner end of the drum 23. The projection T0 may have substantially flat parallel sides as illustrated in the drawing. The cam 'Il has a fiat end surface 'l2 facing counter to the direction of rotation of the shaft l2 and an inclined or pitched surface 13 on its forward side. The cam face 13 is of substantial length and is adapted to cooperate with the lug 'lil to shift the drum 23 axially or outwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the clutch parts 54 from the clutch parts of the flange 4l. A fiat axial face Ill'is provided at the outer end of the cam face 73. The projection or lug 'Hland the cam `H are related so that when the flat face 2of the cam is in cooperation with the lug l0 the rope socket 5@ is adjacent to and in alignment with the open'- ing 52 as illustrated in Fig. 2.

It is believed that the operation of the automatic joint breaker of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description. The line L is adapted to be connected with tongs or any other similar tool in the drillingrig. The shaft l2 may be constantly rotating and the spring 68 holds the drum 23 in its retracted posi# tion where the clutch parts 54are out of engagement with the clutch parts on the flange' 4l. When the drum23 is in this normal positionthe flat face 'l2 of the cam ll is in engagement .with the lug 110. When it is desired to operate the tongs or tool connected with the line L the operator pulls the line 56 to shift the drum 23 inwardly. As the drum 23 shifts inwardly the inclined surfaces 56 and 58 may come into engagement to facilitate the smooth engagement of the fiat clutch faces 55 with the faces 51. Whenv the faces 55 and 5l are in cooperation the drum 23 of course rotates with the collar 2| and the shaft l2. As the drum 23 rotates the line L is. wound or wrapped into the groove 49A and is thus actuated or pulled to operate its tongs. The rotation or turning of the drum 23 continues until the cam 'il cooperates with the lug lil. The cam face 'f3 cooperates with the lug 'l0 to shift the drum 23 axially or outwardly. As above described the surface 3 is formed to shift the drum 23 outwardly to fully disengage the clutch parts 54 from the clutch parts on the flange 4I. This, of course, completely de-clutches the drum 23y from the collar 2i and the shaft l2. The face |08 definitely limits the movement of the drum 23. Thus the joint breaker is operable to exert a limited or definite pull on the line L and no more, so that there is no danger in the operation of the tongs or tool. To recondition the device'for a succeeding operation the line L is pulled out-y wardly to effect reverse rotation of the drum 23. The at face 'l2 of the cam il is adapted to strike the lug 'It tolimit this reverse rotation of the drum 23 and set the drum in position for a second operation. The spring 68 acts to yieldingly hold the drum 23 in its (ie-clutched position and to automatically return the line 66.

The automatic joint breaker of the present invention is entirely safe to operate and is adapted to give tongs or similar tools a definite and known pull or stroke of movement. The operating parts of the device are entirely enclosed against dirt and so that they cannot foul the lines or injure the workmen. The joint breaker is such that it may be easily and quickly assembled on the line shaft of a typical draw works with little or no alteration of the draw works structure. The device is simple and easy to operate and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A joint breaker for application to the shaft of a draw works having a post, said joint breaker including, a housing surrounding the shaft, a

member arranged on the shaft to rotatetherewith and extending into the housing, means rotatably supporting the housing on the member, a rotatable and axially shiftable drum arranged on the member, a tool operating line associated with the drum to be wound thereon, clutch means engageable by axial shifting of the drum in one direction to cause the drum to rotate with the shaft, means for shifting the drum in said direction to engage the clutch means, cam parts on the drum and housing cooperable to shift the drum in the opposite direction to disengage the clutch means when a predetermined length of the line is wound on the drum, and means loosely associating the housing with the post to prevent rotation of the housing.

2. A joint breaker for application to the shaft of a draw works including, a housing surrounding the shaft, a member in the housing arranged on the shaft to rotate therewith, a bearingY rotatably supporting the housing on the member, a rotatable and axially shiftable drum arranged around the member, a tool operating line associated with the drum to be wound thereon, clutch means en-- gageable by axial shifting of the drum in one direction to cause the drum to rotate with the shaft, means for shifting the drum in said direction to engage the clutch means, cam parts on the drum and housing cooperable to shift the drum in the opposite direction to disengage the clutch means when a predetermined length of the line is wound on the drum, and means loosely associating the housing with a relatively fixed abutment to prevent rotation of the housing.

3. A cat head for use in combination with a rotatable shaft and a relatively stationary abutnient, the cathead including a collar .secured to the shaft to rotate therewith, a rotatable line drum shiftable axially with respect to the shaft, clutch parts on the collar and drum cooperable upon shifting of the drum in one direction to effect rotation of the drum, means for shifting the drum in said direction to eifect engagement of the clutch parts, a. housing surrounding the drum, bearing means supporting the housing on the collar, cooperable parts on the drum and housing for shifting the drum in the other direction to effect disengagement of the clutch parts, and a stop part on the housing engaging against the abutment to prevent turning of the housing and shiftable relative to the abutment to allow lateral working of the housing with the shaft.

4. A cat head for use in combination with a rotatable shaft and a relatively stationary abutment, the cathead including a collar secured to the shaft to rotate therewith, a rotatable line drum shiftable axially with respect to the shaft, clutch parts on the collar and drum cooperable upon shifting of the drum in one direction to effect rotation of the drum, means for shifting the drum in said direction to effect engagement of the clutch parts, a housing surrounding the drinn, bearing means spaced axially of the shaft for supporting the housing on the collar, cooperable parts on the drum and housing for shifting the drum in the other direction to effect disengagement of the clutch parts,y and a stop part on the housing engaging with the abutment to prevent turning of vthe housing and shiftable relative to the abutment to allow lateral working of the housing with the shaft.

5. In combination with a rotatable shaft and a stationary abutment, two elements, one a member rotatable with the shaft, the other a rotatable drum, one of said elements being shiftable axially of the shaft relative to the other, clutch parts on the elements cooperable to effect rotation of the drum with the shaft upon axial shifting of said shiftable element in one direction, a housing for said elements, means rotatably supporting the housing on the member, means loosely associating the housing with said abutment to prevent turning of the housing and to allow lateral working of the housing, means for shifting said shiftable element in the direction to engage the clutch parts, and cooperable cam parts on the housing and said axially shiftable element to shift said shiftable element in the other direction to effect disengagement of the clutch parts.

6. A cat head for use in combination with a rotatable shaft and a relatively stationary abutment, the cat head including a collar secured to the shaft to rotate therewith, a rotatable line drum shiftable axially with respect to the shaft, clutch parts on the collar and drum cooperable to effect rotation of the drum, a housing for the drum rotatably supported on the collar, means for shifting the drum to engage the clutch parts, cooperable parts on the housing and drum for shifting the drum to disengage the clutch parts, a projection on the abutment, and a part on the housing engaging against the abutment and having an opening loosely receiving said projection to prevent rotation of the housing and to allow lateral working of the housing with the shaft.

'7. A cat head for use with a shaft and a post, the oat head including an assembly comprising a collar adapted to be slid over the shaft, a drum carried by the collar to rotate and shift axially thereon, a housing, and bearing means rotatably supporting the housing on the collar to surround the drum, means for securing the collar to the shaft to rotate therewith, cooperable clutch parts on the collar and drum to leffect rotation of the drum, means for shifting the drum to engage the clutch parts, cooperable parts on the drum and housing for shifting the drum to release the clutch parts, and a stop on the housing engaging the post to prevent rotation of the shaft and shiftable with respect to the post to allow lateral working of the housing.

HAROLD L. 'I'I-IEROLF. 

